Trichosanthes cucumerina
TAXONOMY
FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusTrichosanthes
Zone10
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Trichosanthes cucumerina, commonly known as snake gourd, is a climbing annual plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to tropical Asia and is widely cultivated in seasonally dry tropical climates. The plant produces long, slender fruits that resemble snakes, hence the name. It is often grown for its edible fruits and ornamental value.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Cucumis Anguinus
Involucraria Cordata
Snake Gourd
Anguina anguina
Anguina cucumerina
Involucraria anguina
Trichosanthes ambrozii
Trichosanthes anguina
Trichosanthes brevibracteata
Trichosanthes cochinchinensis
Trichosanthes colubrina
Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. anguina
Trichosanthes cucumerina var. anguina
Trichosanthes cucumerina var. lobata
Trichosanthes laciniosa
Trichosanthes lobata
Trichosanthes olida
Trichosanthes pachyrrhachis
Trichosanthes pedatifolia
Trichosanthes reniformis
Trichosanthes wightiana
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,350
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Snake gourd thrives in bright, direct sunlight and requires moderate temperatures. It prefers a humid environment but can tolerate some dryness. Regular watering is essential, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings. The plant benefits from a support structure to climb on.Harvest
Trichosanthes cucumerina, commonly known as snake gourd, should be harvested when the fruits are young and tender, typically around 40-50 days after flowering. The fruits should be about 30-60 cm in length and still green. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. It is important to handle the fruits gently to avoid bruising. Harvesting should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day, which can cause the fruits to wilt.Soil
Snake gourd prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.Repotting
Repotting is generally not required for snake gourd as it is an annual plant. However, if grown in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the root system and has good drainage.Propagation
Snake gourd is typically propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in a warm, sunny location after the last frost. Seeds can also be started indoors and transplanted outside once the seedlings are strong enough.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to manage the plant's growth and encourage fruit production. Remove any dead or diseased leaves and trim back excessive growth to maintain a manageable size.Toxicity
Snake gourd is not toxic to pets or humans. The fruits are edible and commonly used in various culinary dishes.Additional
To maximize fruit production, ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight and water. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
